OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

-394 tkissam@c... (Todd Kissam) 1970‑01‑01 Re: Short bio
As requested a short (almost) bio:

I am a software designer for Occupational medical clinics with degrees in
Computer science and Physics. Over the last 25 years I have held and
sometimes even performed just about every job title in the computer field.
Woodworking and tools provide the necessary contrast to keep me from
becoming a berserker (most of the time). The only power tools I can still
tolerate are my planer and a lathe.

I started buying old tools at age 8, and displayed an early talent for
buying mostly junk that was a predicter to a brillant tool buying future.
(Right!) 

Through the years as the accummulation grew I became a collector as well as
user. On the user end, I play with everything from broad axes, beam drills,
carving tools, shaving horses to moulding planes. On the collecting end of
things, I have a serious (otherwise read as expensive) passion for 18th
century American moulding planes. 

I am a member of EAIA, WMTCA, Patina, Crafts and a new tool club in
Richmond, Va that I can not remember the name of. I live in the foothills of
the Blue Ridge mountains in Batesville, Va with my wife of 18 years(Elaine)
and our 9 year son(Ethan - who still can't remember to pick up his tools). I
work (when its not snowing) in Charlottesville.

Some words (probably offensive lecture) of encouragement (maybe even
wisdom). I had been buying /collecting  old or antique tools for 30 years,
when a dealer friend (in the fifth year of our seller salivating slave
relationship) mentioned that "Todd, you might want to join a tool club". I
looked at him with a look even beyond by my usual state of dumbness and
said, "you mean there are clubs for people who like tools?" If I had known,
I would have joined the tool clubs starting at about age 12, and would have
saved a fortune and avoided countless errors over the years. Here in
Virginia, over the last 10 years, spending at least 100 hours per year in
flea market, antique shop,  junk stores, tag sales etc., I have found
exactly 4 tools that I was excited about. At Brown's auction in November
there were 80 dealers with about 150 tables of tools for every level of
collector or user. Many collectors change the direction of their collections
every few years and "down-size". At tool shows, I have seen complex moulders
going for $5 to $10. By 2 get 1 free specials, etc. I guess the point of my
preaching, is join a club. You can learn a lot by reading, but nothing
substitutes for touching.  Contrary to myth, you do not have to wear a
checkered plaid shirt and have a beard to join. End of preaching newbie.

Glad to be here,

Todd D. Kissam


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Recent Bios FAQ